VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Team Vandenberg is set to launch a
Taurus rocket Friday from Space Launch Complex 576 on North Vandenberg. The
launch window is from 11:49 a.m. to 12:07 p.m.
The rocket is scheduled to place two satellites built by Orbital Sciences
Corp into a polar orbit. The Taurus rocket is a ground-based variant of
Orbital’s air-launched Pegasus rocket capable of launching up to 3,000
pounds into a low-Earth orbit and up to 800 pounds to geosynchronous
transfer orbit.
Taurus has achieved a 100 percent success rate with five successful launches
that have delivered nine satellites into orbit.
Col. Robert M. Worley II, 30th Space Wing commander, will be the spacelift
commander for this mission.
Orbital Imaging Corp. will provide a live webcast of the launch on their
website at www.orbimage.com beginning at 11:30 a.m. PST.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Vandenberg accredited media members wishing to set up remote
camera’s at the launch complex should call Staff Sgt. Rebecca Bonilla at
(805) 606-3595 and arrive at the Main Gate Visitor’s Center no later than 3
p.m. Thursday.
Media members wishing to view the launch from the base media viewing site
should arrive at the Main Gate Visitor’s Center no later than 11 a.m.
Friday.
Questions regarding Orbital rockets and satellites should be directed to
Barron Beneski, Orbital Sciences Corp. public relations, at (703) 406-5528.
A satellite feed will be available at GE-2, 85 degrees West, transponder 11,
KU Band analog, 11920megahertz, vertical receive.
